As film photography experiences a revival, independent film developing shops are becoming essential for photographers who wish to have their negatives returned and engage with their local photography scenes in Los Angeles and Orange County.
In an era dominated by digital cameras and smartphones, many enthusiasts still cherish the unique qualities of film. One could recall the trip to local film processing stores to develop negatives, a service that’s often less personal at chain stores like CVS. Fortunately, several independent shops in L.A. and O.C. have been selected by LAist’s photography-loving staff to help photographers navigate the film development process.
**Powell Camera Shop** is situated at 160 West Badillo Street in Covina, CA. This popular spot is frequented by General Assignment Reporter Destiny Torres.
They specialize in developing standard 35mm and medium format 120mm film using both C-41 and E-6 processing methods. The cost of developing varies based on the services selected. If you only want the negatives developed, it will cost you $9.99 before taxes. For those who wish to receive color digital scans and prints, the price ranges from $15 to $20. Black and white scans are available too, priced between $22 and $32.
For those eager to see their photos, the typical turnaround time is about a week. It is noteworthy that Powell rarely accepts mail-in negatives, so visiting in person is recommended. The shop sends negatives to professional developers at Swan Photo Labs in San Clemente for processing.
Moving to Pasadena, **Samy’s Camera** located at 1759 E. Colorado Blvd. is a well-known name for camera enthusiasts. This recommendation comes from AirTalk producer Lucy Copp.
Samy’s can develop a variety of film formats which includes 35mm, medium format 120mm, and even large format films such as 4×5 and 8×10. Pricing for 35mm film development is $6 for color and $8 for black and white. Scanning options further vary; for 35mm and 120mm color scans, low resolution is priced at approximately $12, medium at $18, and high resolution at $25. Adding prints for 24 shots ranges from $9.96 to $10.83, while prints for 36 shots range from $13.44 to $13.73.
The turnaround time at Samy’s spans two to five business days for negatives. For prints and scans, expect about a week to ten days. You can drop off your negatives at stores located in Santa Ana, Pasadena, and Fairfax, while processing itself occurs at their Fairfax photo lab.
In Little Tokyo, **Analog Photomart** at 416 E 2nd St. has emerged as a reliable new establishment according to Major Gifts Officer Malka Fenyvesi. In business for about a year, this shop takes color, black and white, and slide film in both 35mm and 120mm.
Development costs at Analog Photomart start at $9. Adding scans changes the price to $15 for low resolution, $18 for medium, and $23 for high resolution. For prints, 35mm will be $12, while 120mm prints will cost $6.
When it comes to efficiency, this small shop only accepts in-store drop-offs and takes approximately three to four business days to get scans via email. Negatives can be retrieved in about a week, with prints taking up to ten days.
As we move to **Berry Flash Photo Lab**, located at 11445 Jefferson Blvd. in Culver City, this establishment is also becoming a favorite for AirTalk Senior Producer Lindsey Wright. Berry Flash offers processing for both 35mm and 120mm in color and black and white formats.
The costs are accessible, with standard color C-41 processing for 35mm priced at $9.99 and for 120mm at $14.99. For those interested in scans alongside negatives, prices start at $19.99 for social-friendly scans, rising to $24.99 for higher resolutions. Additional costs for prints are approximately $10.
Quick service is a highlight at Berry Flash, with color negatives generally developed in two to three business days, while black and white can take up to ten days. Customers can also mail their films to the lab at their Santa Monica P.O. Box.
Next on the list is **Tuttle Cameras**, located at 5467 E. Carson St. in Long Beach, highly favored by AirTalk associate producer Manny Valladares for both film developing and gear.
Tuttle Cameras offers a range of film processing including 35mm, 120mm, and 110mm. They process color, black and white, and slide films as well. The price for developing 35mm film is $8.25, while adding scans will cost $18.50. Additional charges apply for larger file scans, and prints can range from $12 to $18 based on the exposure selected.
Customers can expect a fairly quick turnaround time, with scans ready in about 1 to 2 days on weekdays, and up to 3 days on weekends. They accept drop-offs or you can mail directly to Tuttle, as they partner with local developer Fromex for processing.
In Huntington Beach, **Bill’s Camera** located at 6022 Warner Ave. has been a staple since 1971 and is a local favorite.
According to lab manager Josh Ventura, they can develop all color film in 35mm, 120mm, and APS formats. The cost structure starts at $6.50 for 35mm negatives and $7.50 for 120mm negatives. Adding scans will result in a total of $13.95 for 35mm and $14.90 for 120mm. Depending on the roll and format, prints can add an extra $13 to $16.
Bill’s Camera asserts a quick turnaround, claiming that 35mm negatives are usually ready within 24 hours, whereas 120mm takes about two days. Mailing options exist for customers who prefer to send in their films.
Finally, we can’t forget about **The Frida Cinema/Harvey Film Lab**, located at 305 E 4th St #100 in Santa Ana, offering a unique combination of film development and cinema experience.
Operated by Kacie from Harvey Film Lab, they can develop both 35mm and 120mm films in color and black and white. The base price for scans starts at $14.70 for 35mm, including returning the negatives. Should you wish to add prints, that will be an additional $14.99.
At The Frida Cinema, the development is exclusively done on site, with the turnaround time ranging from one to seven business days. Film can be mailed in or dropped off at the cinema, allowing for an easy and enjoyable experience, especially for movie lovers.
This roundup of independent film developing shops illustrates the thriving culture of film photography in Los Angeles and Orange County. Don’t forget, it’s advisable to develop your film as soon as possible to ensure the best quality in your photographs!
image source from：laist
